Skip to main content

The Science of Fingerprints - Theory FSCT 8320

Forensic Investigation Course

Subscribe
View cart
International Fees

International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.

Course details

This course covers the history of fingerprints as it relates to individualization; friction skin development; how to obtain a proper set of known fingerprint impressions; the Henry Classification System, the Auto-Class Classification System and Real Time Identification (RTID) System; fingerprint individualization with emphasis on Ridgeology; palm print individualization including the use of palmar flexion creases; procedures utilized in crime scene examination and recovery of fingerprints; chemical techniques for fingerprint detection; the Identification of Criminals Act; and the expert witness in the Canadian Court System.

Prerequisite(s)

  • Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

Credits

3.0

Not offered this term
This course is not offered this term. Please check back next term or subscribe to receive notifications of future course offerings and other opportunities to learn more about this course and related programs.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course the student will be able to:

  • Explain the history of fingerprint individualization.
  • Define friction skin and how it is formed.
  • Explain and defend, through scientific knowledge, how fingerprint individualization can be so positive and infallible.
  • Define the composition of ecrine sweat.
  • Explain the requirements of a properly obtained known set of fingerprints and demonstrate correct techniques.
  • Explain both the Henry, Auto-Class classification systems and RTID.
  • Explain how a fingerprint comparison is conducted and demonstrate correct techniques.
  • Explain crime scene techniques for latent fingerprint examination and recovery.
  • Explain chemical techniques for latent fingerprint examination.
  • Define and understand the Identification of Criminals Act.
  • Discuss various aspects of an expert witness in the Canadian court system.

Effective as of Fall 2015

Related Programs

The Science of Fingerprints - Theory (FSCT 8320) is offered as a part of the following programs:

School of Computing and Academic Studies

  1. Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
    Bachelor of Science Full-time
  2. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Advanced Certificate Part-time
  3. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Bachelor of Technology Part-time

Contact Us

If you have a question or comment about this course, please complete and submit the form below.

  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond to your request for BCIT program information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe

Interested in being notified about future offerings of The Science of Fingerprints - Theory (FSCT 8320)? If so, fill out the information below and we'll notify you by email when courses for each new term are displayed here.

  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond your request for BCIT course information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5A 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.